New Orleans Saints Defeat Minnesota Vikings 14-9: What We Learned

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 1 matchup on Thursday night at the Superdome.

There was a lot to take out of this game, especially the turning point, which was pretty clear.

What can we take from Brett Favre's first game? Are the Saints still a predominant passing team? Here's everything we learned about the Saints and Vikings after Thursday's game.

Brett Favre Is Still a Gunslinger

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

One of the main concerns for the Vikings after Thursday's game has to be Brett Favre. The way he played resembled more of his 2008 Jets days, not his first year with Minnesota in 2009.

He threw one interception and nearly threw a second, except the ball was caught out of bounds. He continuously looked uncomfortable in the pocket, throwing balls off balance and up for grabs.

He certainly didn't look mobile, and that wouldn't be a good thing for the Vikings. They have to hope he gets back into the groove from last season.

Favre May Rely on Visanthe Shiancoe in Sidney Rice's Absence

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice will miss the first eight games or more, having undergone left hip surgery.

In his absence, it looks like Visanthe Shiancoe will be Favre's go-to receiver. In Thursday's loss, Shiancoe was the Vikings' leading receiver, going for 76 yards on four receptions.

He scored the only Vikings touchdown, and it seemed as if Favre only had confidence in him. So much that once the Saints used Roman Harper to cover him in the second half, Shiancoe couldn't make plays, and Favre couldn't succeed.

Teams need multiple receivers to win in the NFL, so this game exposed the Vikings lack of a good receiving core without Rice.

Vikings Can Stop the Pass

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

After the first Saints drive, it seemed as if Drew Brees was going to have a field day. He went five-for-five, with a touchdown, and looked unstoppable.

Entering the game, the Saints were supposed to be about their passing game. Well, the Vikings adjusted nicely.

The Saints passing game was stopped after that initial drive, and it forced New Orleans into a different game plan.

Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway put the pressure on for 12 tackles, and the Saints weren't flying by in the air anymore.

That's a great sign for Minnesota moving forward against some of the league's great passing teams. 

Saints Defense Rules in Victory

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Saints proved that their defense is pretty good. The Vikings aren't a bad offensive team, but were held to only nine points in this game.

Who saw that coming? Less than double figures in points scored for a Brett Favre-ran offense?

Well, that's how incredible New Orleans defense was and Roman Harper played a huge part. He completely took the threat out of Visanthe Shiancoe, and along with Jonathan Vilma's presence and interception, the Vikings were completely shut down.

The Saints have a great offense, but the defense was even better in their victory.

What's Wrong with Garrett Hartley?

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

After leading the Saints to Super Bowl XLIV with his overtime field goal in last season's NFC Championship Game, Garrett Hartley had a rough opening game.

He missed two field goals, one from only 32 yards out, and looked shaken up.

Maybe he just needs more pressure on him to succeed? Who knows, but last year's hero was Thursday night's goat.

Turning Point for Win: Saints Running Game

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Looking for the turning point in Thursday's game? How about the Saints switching to their running game in the second quarter?

It's pretty simple. After the Vikings got to Brees and the pass attack, the Saints became all about the run.

Both Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas used the cut back to beat the Vikings defensive line and Jared Allen.

Once they switched offensive game plans, the Vikings showed their supposed great run-defense was not so great.

It changed the entire complexion of the game and is what ultimately beat the Vikings on Thursday night.